The all-new AMY RIGBY site is now available for your surfing pleasure. This photo of she and the one and only Wreckless Eric performing "Whole Wide World" in Hull oughtta give you an itchy trigger finger.

More important information to impart. Folks have been asking me where they can score the most recent ACC material on yonder Gulcher imprint. You can get it from there or from CD BABY , just so long as you load up. Stores can get their stash from Revolver by contacting this gennelman, arthur@midheaven.com

Accordion Pop is finally available on cd and should be the soundtrack to your life but you really ought to have the set. Any Eurotypes who are looking for copies can give me a holler here and we'll sort you out.

Take a handful of my favourite ingredients - Swedes, Country and Rockabilly. Mix 'em together and you'll get Eva Eastwood & The Major Keys!

Dude, it's a Dude! well J can give us all the stories about hospitals that he likes but the wee man obviously came to earth in a space capsule. At least that's what it looks like in the photo. Great to hear things are swingin' out there in dem Netherlands because these are good, good people who deserve nothing but the best.

Mille Grazia for all the kind words 'n best wishes from alla you guys 'n gals, both Alice 'n me really, really appreciate it...
To answer a whole bag o' questions at once: Yes, both mother 'n child are doin well. The whole thing took about 42 hours, and the hospital people tell us, somewhat bemused, that we made use of "all available options" when it comes to childbirth. I'll spare you the details, but suffice to say; I've acquired a fresh batch o' gray hairs...

That said tho', I'd like to switch back to music talk with the NBT readers, 'cause I noticed that within 24 hours I was discussin' parental pleasures/worries w/ some of you. No problem with that obviously, but mayhaps we'd better save such talk for the New Born Thing or Next Big Toddler log...

He's Here !.

Name: Bastiaan Vedder
Date Of Birth: Jan 29 2004
Weight: 8 lb
Parents: Tired but happy

That's oor (as opposed to our) Bush!

Cowabunga an' that. Visit the website of those long pipelinin' Surfin' Lungs...

Well it arrived. America’s ONLY High Energy (not of the disco world) Magazine BLACK TO COMM #25 is the first completely mandatory purchase of ’04 to readers of this cyber-rag. Take a look at the BDMesque cover and glean the very tip of the iceberg in terms of content. A cd of tunes by Simply Saucer, The Coachmen and Ruby and The Rednecks is also included. 164 packed pages sees Mr Stigliano in full flight as only he can soar with some noteworthy guest star action. This is what he does when he’s not chasing up copies of Bam Balam on Ebay. A high highlight of this exceptional daud of print is a couple of letters from Lester Bangs to Ms Miriam Linna back in the day. Warm the cockles of yer heart they will and this is the only place you can read’em. To snag your copy direct from the source,
e-mail Chris at black2com@aol.com and he’ll hep you to what the damage is. $20 from Europe should cover it and it’d be cheap at twice the price because they seldom build ‘em (if ever) like this anymore. Mail the good ol' fashioned way to Chris Stigliano, 714 Shady Avenue, Sharon. PA 16146-3149.

Rikki Fulton has left the theatre. The great Scottish comedian died last night. Go Rikki.

Well. I've been looking forward to it all week and it hasn't been delivered. A massive snowfall to keep me in the hoose but instead, it's slurpie world out there and not enough to claim snowbound status. Even the minus 14 temperatures haven't materialised dagnabbit!

The wonderful world of Art Frahm... (Thanks Greyman)

What’s the world coming to right enough…

You’ve got John Lydon out in the jungle as part of the latest “Reality” TV sickness. Not sure what that’s all about, could be something to do with raising money for charity. I guess that’s the most noble reason one could muster. What drives people to watch this pish and why can’t I get a commission for my programme idea “Paint Drying”? I just don’t understand it, think of the merchandising possibilities in line with those out of town DIY atrocities.

All that and my upbeat normal service message of the other day has taken a tanking. I’m still experiencing phone and internet problems and am somewhat at a loss with what to try next. Probably my “mad as hell and ain’t gonna take it anymore” mode.

Who Will Shave Rock’n’Roll (as Sean Connery might say) is another concept we may consider. Thanks Mrs Stim.

(From cpop.com) "FUN HOUSE artshow-Curated by NIAGARA

Featuring THE STOOGES: IGGY POP, RON ASHETON, SCOTT ASHETON.

February 7th-March 2nd, 2004.

'Like a street-walkin' cheetah with a heart full of napalm' Iggy and The Stooges are back but now are exploding on Detroit's ART Scene.

Ground Zero is CPOP Gallery, Sat Feb 7th. Iggy, the Godfather of Punk and his partners in crime, the Asheton brothers, have a new weapon in their arsenal: paintbrushes. Curated by Detroit's own High Priestess of Punk, Niagara.

Observes Mary Harrison, 'It would appear to be the natural progression; now bringing the Asheton brothers into the art scene since they had played together for years in Dark Carnival, exposing her to the music scene'

The Stooges FUNHOUSE Art show is expected to attract an international audience in it's 30 day run in Detroit. The show should hold more than a few surprises, everything from crude re-worked T.V. Guides to large colourful canvases depicting life from the perspective of the seminal Punk Rock Trio. The show is coinciding with the Stooges Reunion and world tour that has taken the rock world by storm.

Ron Asheton, lead guitar from The Stooges and Destroy All Monsters, wryly notes, 'Some of this stuff isn't so hot and some of it's brilliant, I just don't know which is which.'

Niagara had noticed, 'For some time they had been painting whenever they could. I thought the time was right for a show...of a different type; paintings by musicians.'

Also included in the show are pieces by Lou Reed, Joey & Dee Dee Ramone, Thurston Moore & Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), King Buzzo (The Melvins), Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO), Kembra Pfahler (The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black), John Holmstrom (PUNK Magazine), rock photos by Bob Gruen and Leni Sinclair, various other artists and live performances.

"I wanted the show in Detroit, being the Stooges home town. They are beloved here." added Niagara.

"It will also give our band an opportunity to get some recording done for our new album." says Asheton.

SHOW OPENS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2004, 8pm-Midnite"

On his website, photographer George Dubose tells the stories behind some of his work, including 9 Ramones album covers and the sleeve for the Fleshtones' 'Hexbreaker LP. GO!.

Some cool song-based comics can be found at the WFMU site. (link c/o Dubbel Mono).

"Fans of the Muffs rejoice! Kim Shattuck, Ronnie Barnett, and Roy McDonald are almost done recording a brand new collection of songs." The new disc is due next month on Five Foot Two Records.

While doin' my occasional check on the Helmettes site, I just noticed that they seem to be open for bookings (!) once again. Tho' I'm not sure if there's any demand out there for these guys to re-appear, I'd say a on/off re-union show would be an obvious must-see for all agein' punk-rockers over here. So hey, Mr 1/2 2, how's about it?.
And yep, it's great to see my pal Fenderwoods quoted on the band's site; "Half 2" must be one of the most moving pieces of punkrock music ever to come out of Holland. It brings tears of joy in my eyes every time I hear it! Thank you Helmettes."

While diggin' around at Amazon.com, I noticed a upcomin' new book by the mighty Nick Tosches; 'King of the Jews: the Arnold Rothstein Story'. (An extensive bio on Rothstein can be found here).

Just got word that there's a new issue of Black To Comm magazine out 'n about; "170 jam packed pages of a special New York Rock issue feat. The Dolls, Dictators, Max's, Punk magazine, etc. Plus tons of reviews and bonus cd w/ Simply Saucer, Coachmen, Ruby And The Rednecks". If you've never caught BTC, better make sure you do this go round. For well over 20 years it's been documenting the 70s pre-punk punk scene in great detail, wavin' the flag for bands like the Electric Eels and Rocket From The Tombs long before anybody else cared... Bomp hasn't yet listed the mag on it's site, but I know they carry it, so go bug Suzy for a copy.

If you dug those What Wave tape compilations from years back then do yourself a favour and grab the "Whole Lotta Shakin'" CD comp-pile-ation on Garage-Pop Records. Put together by Mike Murray of the Whole Lotta Shakin' radio show, it boasts an identical mix of styles (surf, rockabilly, psych, garage) but with the emphasis, 'cept for the occasional international gatecrasher, on bands from Rochester, NY (Hi-Risers, Quitters, Isotopes et al). Interestingly, the Chesterfield Kings are not included although Greg Prevost and Walt O'Brien (remember him?) do receive a "thank you". Of the 26 tracks on offer there are too many winners to list although "Surfin' to forget about you" by the Surfin' Lungs and "I can't understand" by the Riviera Playboys are currently floating my boats. For a preview, of sorts, log onto Mike's show on a Sunday evening [8 - Midnight GMT] at the WITR website and dig the mix of new and "classic" sounds that he regularly spins. One listen to Whole Lotta Shakin', via the web or on compact disc, will reassure you that life is indeed still "rockin' in Rochester".

How's your French? "Not so good," then book a revision class 'cause you're gonna need it for latest edition of Larsen, a one-off doo-wop, rhythm'n'blues, soul, boogaloo, and funk extravaganza called: Guide B-Soul. It features the lowdown details (inc. discogs) on various sepia-toned "greats" including: Andre Williams; the Contours; Gino Washington; Nathaniel Mayer; Jerry-O; Alvin Cash; the Five Du-Tones; Harvery Scales 7 the Seven Sounds; and King Coleman. The latter, sadly, is not a relation of this contributor. A small, compact, publication but one that drips soulful hip-dom and which also comes complete with a cracking three track 45rpm from the Sweet Things (the Godzillas + Stompin' Harvey and his Fast-Wreckers). For more information, email Benny Gordini at: slushyruin@larsen.asso.fr

DANGER: Men on a mission. Here's a round-up of the forthcoming Euro moves for the Fleshtones, the hardest working men in rock'n'roll. Masters Vedder and Hutton, DO NOT even try to make a case for the Dictators 'cause those boys have had more sabbaticals than George Best (famous Irish soccer player). We're talkin' year-on-year real-time action and a sizeable quality-driven discography to back it all up. Anyhow, here are the details you need before heading for the Ryan Air website:

Scandinavian Tour (February)

Feb 5 Tavastia - Helsinki (Finland); Feb 6 Debaser - Stockholm (Sweden); Feb 7 The Wild Bunch Rock'n'Roll Club - Moss (Norway); Feb 8 Last Train - Oslo (Norway); Feb 9 Last Train - Oslo (Norway); Feb 11 Sticky Fingers - Gothenburg (Sweden); Feb 13 Rytmeposten - Odense (Denmark); Feb 14 Loppen - Copenhagen.

Spanish Tour (March)

Mar 5 Gruta 77 - Madrid; Mar 6 Pequeño Diablo - Valencia; Mar 7 La Guarida del Angel - Jerez; Mar 9 Tarari - Ponferrada; Mar 10 Rock Club - Orense; Mar 11 Albeniz - Gijón; Mar 12 Indian - Santander; Mar 13 Hell Dorado - Vitoria.

Dates in the UK (April) and France (June) are currently in the planning stage. Polite note to the ever-faithful Italian fans: The 'tones played several dates in Italy before Christmas so back-off with those email requests.

A further explanation about this WWSR&R thing...

WWSR&R is, or rather will be a special edition NBT which drags we back to the days of DIY zinedom. It’ll be a limited edition of 300 copies in a red 2-ring binder which is approx. 210mm square with cover insert. It's limited because that’s the number of binders I’ve got and let's face it, print distro ain't what it used to be. Content will probably run to 40 pages. If I decide it’s worth it then I’ll mail a monthly newsletter thing to whoever buys a copy and that can be added to the binder. Like those magazines that get advertised on the telly every January then promptly disappear. What I’d like is for you folks to pitch in and provide an angle on what the title suggests. The broader based the better. Something else I’d like to do is give some of the proceeds (if there turn out to be any) to Joey (Ramone's) Lymphoma Charity. Being that we’ve never managed to organise that UK version of his Birthday party yet. So if you’d like to compile something to be included then please do so. It’s all pretty sketchy at this point but it’ll doubtless fall together (or not)…

All that and I'll be darned if the ol' phoneline ain't just done gone got fixed. Perhaps normal service can resume after all?

The wonderful world of Jack Pedlar is but a click away... thanks to Pat Taylor for the tip.

OK. So I need to get this Who Will Save Rock'n'Roll thing moving. An actual print THING as opposed to this blog type blethering. If you have something that oughtta appear in there then please hit the contact button and give we the skinny. A deadline of 15th February (2004) seems as good as any to drop outta thin air so let's see action. Spare everyone from an extended rant from yours truly and pitch in. subject matter could even be What Will Save Rock'n'Roll, the blighter needs all the help it can get in these decidedly un-rockin' times.

Saw Lost In Translation also and it's a kinda slow burn. The karaoke scene is great though and Tokyo just looks like another world. The use of the J&M Chain's Just Like Honey is very effective. I used to hate them based on the fact that they were a bunch of little oiks. Made some fantastic records though...

Ordinary Life is pretty complex stuff alright. American Splendor anyone?

"In 'Kill Bill,' Japanese garage-rockers The 5.6.7.8's dripped cool as the blood splashed. But that was just a scratch on the surface of a thriving girl-band scene." - Simon Bartz of The Japan Times gives you the chick picks of 2004.

The Killer (not to be confused with Krazee Eyes Killah) and a band that reportedly includes James Burton, rocks on in Perthshire at £299 a scud. There's an additional bizarre aspect to this story but more about that later... Oh yeah, and it's sold out. TAKE A LOOK! Thanks to Mr Rafferty for the link.

Steam nothing, I'm approaching full Four Mile Island Meltdown mode. That's one louder kids. Saw American Splendor the other day, maybe that rubbed off?

Sometimes I wish Lindsay would buy one of those web-cam thingies, so we could watch steam comin' out of his ears while he types in these short messages...

Now my bloody phoneline is knackered... what the hell next?

Attention Berliners... Agent Heiko has provided this screening info for End Of The Century - The Story Of The Ramones

08.02.04 CineStar 7 20:00
09.02.04 CineStar 7 22:30
10.02.04 CineStar 7 14:30
14.02.04 CinemaxX 7 22:30

The film will be presented in the PANORAMA DOKUMENTE within the Official Programme of the Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin 2004. The press is invited to the premiere and a press talk with the audience will be held directly after the screening in the cinema. European distribution info should be available soon.

Just a quickie this Monday am, while I'd love to have a "den" like the one in the photo. That one belongs to Cap'n Jeroen Vedder. My den is more of a "howff". The other thing is that it's J and Alice that are about to have a wee yin and not we here. I appreciate the goodwill messages and all but...

While listenin' to the Master Plan's 'Colossus Of Destiny' disc earlier tonight I was again amazed at what a fine disc it is, and at the same time at how just about nobody has noticed so far!. The take on "What's Up With That?' beats the 'Tators version by a mile. 'Kickin' It Old School' is one of Andy's finest tunes ever, no two ways about it. And damn if Keith Streng doesn't blasts even more life into 'Walking' than the Eastern Dark ever did...
The good news is that Bomp is gonna issue this one in the US some time soon....

Caught a couple of stripped-back three piece combos at the Dirty Water Club last Friday and while neither was terrible they got me thinking about the near lack of showmanship on offer these days. Gin Palace include members of Penthouse and deliver reverbed Rockabilly-Blues slop that is competent enough but which failed to hold my attention after a couple of numbers. Not only were there few memorable songs but there was also a lack of charisma to compensate for said problem. Suffice to say that the punters did not ask them to play an encore. The headline act, Jimmy & The Teasers from North Carolina, similarly struggled. Despite the visual eye candy in the drum'n'bass department, all of that raging from the fellow playing guitar became wearisome after ten minutes. Yup, you guessed it, these guys were not asked back for an encore either. Now after witnessing the Woggles shred both audience and stage at the same venue before Christmas I refuse to believe this is a "hip-Londoner-cool-as-cucumber" issue. Maybe it's down to reading about the late Graham Bond this last week and also the anticipation of catching-up with the Fleshtones in a couple of weeks time. Whatever, it's still a shame that 98% of bands do not know how to entertain a crowd with more than their music. Now of course The Graham Bond Organization is a classic example of a band capable of breaking down the barrier between audience / musician and it would be foolish to expect every band to "groove" but by my estimation, not to mention extensive research, I reckon that the ratio of bands who could "make show" was a damn sight higher in the pioneering days of RnR. Then again I guess that we, namely the Brits, really got the ball rolling in the angst-rock stakes what with certain British Invasion bands such as the Zombies and KinKs. I dunno, maybe Sgt Pepper should have given the Beatles dancing lessons instead of teaching them how to play? One thing is for certain though, he would never have got away with his music theory lessons with the bands working the Reeperbahn in the early 60s 'cause the punters would have beaten the shit out of him at the slightest hint of boredom. How times change?

"Heya horndogs! We posted the January Reviews at www.x2rr.com. Read about the NewTown Animals, Street Walkin Cheetahs, Morticia's Lovers, Dennis Most, the Winks, Chopsakis, Kamikazes, Transfusions, Radio Reelers, Black Jetts, Detonations, Union 13 and more. And if that aint enough look for more new photos comin soon." - Mark Giddens

"Following a show in Phoenix on April 26, 2003, acclaimed singer-songwriter and playwright Alejandro Escovedo (The Nuns, Rank and File and The True Believers) collapsed and was hospitalized due to complications from Hepatitis C. He is currently at home in Canyon Lake, Texas, resting and undergoing treatment to alleviate the effects of his condition. Alejandro's rigorous touring schedule and recording sessions for a new album that had begun the week before are both on hold as he recuperates. There is no health insurance to cover the mounting medical bills and loss of income as Alejandro continues to pursue treatment. In response to an outpouring of concern from friends, fans, and associates from across the nation, a trust has been established to handle donations on his behalf. You can make donations here.

Dick Porter - Ramones, The Complete Twisted History (Plexus).
I Guess this is where the cash-in starts, the first real hack Ramones bio. From the git go it's clear Porter never talked to anybody involved with the band, and serves us nothing but a mix/match cut 'n paste job. Which in itself wouldn't be such a bad thing, if it weren't for the numerous factual errors in here. For instance: did you know 'California Sun' was originally by the Trashman? or that the 1976 CBGBs album featured Blondie, Talking Heads and Pere Ubu?, well, neither did I. photo captions provide similar un-intentional entertainment: two pics from the same photoshoot are credited to be taken in both Liverpool and NYC!, A shot of Dee Dee is dated may '77 while he clearly wears a 'End Of The Century' badge. Minor details you might think, but to me it goes to show that Porter really doesn't have much of a clue. I even flung the book into the corner when, at one point, he claims that the Ramones opened every show over the years with 'Blitzkrieg Bop', even if he never did see 'm in action himself, a quick glance at the four official live albums would have given proof to the contrary. Heck, the guy has previously written books on Nu-Metal and the Darkness, which just about sez it all...
Please take Lindsay's advice from somewhere below and pick up those cheapo, but infinitely better, books on the subject, save yourself the money, and get some real edu-ma-cation...

The bold Martin Percival has delivered the following info for y'all to do with whatcha will...

Berlin Film Festival Site. Not yet got End of the Century listed but the site's still under development.

WPIX listeners get together - Manitoba's NYC Jan 22

WPIX was a great New York/New Jersey area based radio station that's fondly remembered by it's listeners, especially for its classic fall 1978 thru spring 1980
period. Most visiting bands playing the NYC area around that time seemed to drop in for interviews & chat including the Buzzcocks, Undertones, The Fall,
Plasmatics and many others with djs like Jane Hamburger. The Cramps, Buzzcocks, XTC & Wire also all featured on their Saturday night concert broadcast series.
There will be a get together of old PIX listeners at Manitoba's, 99 Ave. B (between 6th & 7th St.) in NYC on January 22nd. If you were a listener or are in touch with anybody who used to listen, please tell them about this! For more info contact Will Keller - wkeller64@aol.com

Fopp - Music, film and book store - Ramones related reading bargains

FOPP is selling Monte Melnick's essential book On The Road with the Ramones for the outrageous price of £5 (usual price £14.99!!) and Legs McNeil's story of NYC punk era excess Please Kill Me for only £3. Both essential reads in my view and at this price, an absolute giveaway!

Any readers out there who'd like a copy of either or both and can't be arsed ordering over the website can contact us here. I can act as a personal shopper and mail 'em etc.

They're guaranteed good weather for this one...



Details...

Hey, I know this is kinda self-indulgent, but what the heck. What you see here is my new "den", a long time in the making but finally done. So yep, I'm pleased as punch right now. From here I'm reportin' to the outside world (ie: you...)

Just ran into this great collection of downloadable Damned videos. GO!.

Jim Fields Ramones Movie, END OF THE CENTURY will be screened at The Berlin Film Festival between February 6th and 12th. I can't find the link to the site but anybody in that 'hood should check the press out there for details. Meanwhile Agent Heiko is on the case and you should check his site for further details by clicking HERE!

I know, I know... It's been well over a week since I last posted something here, it's not that I've been that busy, it's just that there's lives that need to be lived. That, and the fact that we've been takin' it easy as off late (as much as possible anyways), what with the baby due to arrive any day now, capish?. Life is A-OK 'round here at the moment, and I really appreciate that a number of you have been askin'. It's just that my thoughts are elsewhere right now, so please forgive me if I'm late in responding to all o' your e-mails (if at all).
To answer several questions about my current listening habits: "just about everything!". OK, almost everything...
Doin' the rounds on the ol' hi-fi at the moment are Kitty Wells' 'God's Honky Tonk Angel' (Edsel CD), this beats just bout every alt-country gal singer by a mile, save yourself the bother, and head straight for the source. Earl Bostic - 'Blows A Fuse' (Charly LP), I first heard 'Flamingo' somewhere in the early 70s and I still haven't recovered. Bostic's alto sax playin' reigns supreme in my book. This certainly ain't no sophisticated Jazz or whatever. Just loud, un-civilized R&B wailin'. The disc I have is long out of print, but if I'm correctly informed there's a budget 2CD set out on Proper right now that should fulfill you're every need. Tony Slug pointed directions to a pretty cool MP3 by glam rock band Silver. Riff heavy, this beats legions of contenders by the proverbial whatsis.....
That's it, no offence but I gotta go 'n catch some sleep.

Talk to you later....

Have a futz around my old buddy Bruce Milne's 2004 stomping ground.

Couple of things right off the bat.

It looks like The Fleshtones are bound for this sceptic isle in April and I'd like UK NBT readers to get the ol' finger out so we can get them a clutch of decent shows. Please forward any info about venues, etc to me and I'll pass it on. It's time the kids got a first hand blast of what so many have copied over the eons.

So what's going on? These e-mail problems are persisting just a tad too long now. Today I'm trying to send stuff to folks I mail fairly frequently and they keep bouncing back. I've tried this at work too and its happening there too. I can't say that I'm harking back to the ol' AOL days but even that wasn't the pain the rectum that this is.

One of the best archives of video/dvd I've ever come across is open to you folks. Send an e-mail to scoutthedoggie@yahoo.co.uk for an extensive list that may well make yer eyes water.

Great to see the Barracudas in action again last Friday night here in London. A near capacity crowd turned out for El 'Cudas at the Dirty Water Club and were treated to a tightly delivered set of surf/garage snarlers via a crisp'n'clean PA system. To cap it all Chris Wilson joined the band, sans Jeremy, for an encore of "Slow Death" and "You're Gonna Miss Me". Warning: This guy still possesses a strong pair of lungs. Hot news from PJ, the club's promoter, is that the Fleshtones are near-as-dammit confirmed for a slot in April. Dare one hope for a 'Cudas / 'Tones double-bill? Yes sir, an encore of "Hoss Boss" featuring Streng/Zaremba and Gluck/Wills slugging it out might be nirvana to some but could also pose a danger to those of a more nervous disposition. Are you (wo)man enough to go under the thunder of the Barratones?

"Steven Van Zandt has recently signed on with Sirius satellite radio as a consultant. He will be developing a 24/7 garage rock satellite radio outlet which should launch later this year. As good as his show is, and he has acknowledged that his "Underground Garage" was initially inspired by his love of WFMU's Teenage Wasteland, the satellite outlet promises to be the mecca for garage-aholics." - Bill 'The Guru of Garage' Kelly, WFMU

ROCKINGSCOTS is a website dedicated to West of Scotland beat groups and rock bands from the '60s and '70s.

From Brother Liam of Sabrejet County, Belfast, "Thought you might, uh, "appreciate" the attached flyer from mad Norse rockers, The Wild Bunch....... I'm thinking it may be kinda hard to live up to their expectations..."

I can get on to the internet but can't get my e-mail. Wha' happening?....

US TV show nuts, check out JUMP THE SHARK!

As some of you may know, I'm not a Billy Childish fan but I know a bunch of you are so maybe you'd like to cut along to this....



Further info from www.radio-lollypop.net

N o r t o n N e w s F l a s h !

Roky Erickson will be stopping in at Waterloo Records in Austin this Friday, January 9, at 5 PM for a special autograph session to celebrate the release of "Don't Knock the Rok!" on Norton. This new CD (and posh gatefold double vinyl LP) collects twenty three unissued blasts cut at the 1978 warm up sessions for Roky and the Aliens’ EVIL ONE LP featuring Roky howling through a slew of covers ranging from Dion and the Belmonts and Bobby Vee to Elvis and Buddy Holly, not to mention a Bye Bye Birdie show tune! Dig some unheard Roky originals, too! It’s like the Elevators meet King Uszneiwicz at a Martian pajama party! Dig the whole scoop on the Norton New Release by clicking the sidebar link.

Refreshments at the autograph party will be provided by the St. Arnold Brewing Co. and very importantly, Roky Rocky Road ice cream will be available at Amy's during the event! New Roky teeshirts will also be available in case you get excited and drip Roky Rocky Road all over your duds! Waterloo Records is located at 600A N. Lamar. (512) 474 2500
Reach the Rok's WATERLOO here!

All hail to THE KING and any of you folks who find themselves in and around Hollywood tonight should be attending the world's finest and long running Elvis birthday tribute event. The shindig is curated by the great Art Fein who also has his latest ANOTHER FEIN MESS sermon up and atcha. Get Clickin'...

"SNOW BIZNESS LIKE SHOW BIZNESS: They came from Min-ne-a-polis, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Atlanta to see the Dictators' two-night stand at CBGB, but some ticketholders who lived much closer couldn't even get out of their driveways because of the record-breaking two-day snowstorm that paralyzed much of the Northeast over the weekend. Others who set out for Mecca on the Bowery never made it: Three fans traveling from New England totaled their car in a four-car pileup (no one was seriously hurt, thankfully). Those who successfully slogged through the ice, slush and snow were treated to two nights of rock in honor of the 30th anniversary of the venerable CBGB (the New York Post quotes Andy in its article on the club's milestone) and were participants in the filming of the Dictators' first-ever DVD". (Reports, photos and fan photos from their two-night stand at CBs .....).

Uptight have made their latest waxing, the Collars & Cuffs EP, available for free in the MP3 format. Step on over to their website and groove to the mighty nothern band.

Oh boy, another day - another set of internet problems so who knows if this'll actually post or not but y' gotta try. Right? Poisoned Aeros are a Canadian combo that I think you folks would get a big kick outta. Timeless rock and roll antics with a little glam undertow that could well be transmitting direct from Max's Kansas City. Their album, Turbulence is available now on the Doublehell imprint and I urge you to check 'em out! This is my first big thing of 2004 and the initial pressing comes with a blank cd so you can burn a copy and pass it on to one of the untold millions that needs a band like this in their life.

As anybody who knows me will know I’m a bit edgy at this time of year. I like to see it out there in the rear view mirror. We wish all of our crew all the best, all the time. Un-deterred by calendars or the like. This morning I've been trying to catch up on messages and keep getting the blighters returned. Something to do with recipients servers or some such bollocks. The double-edged sword that is cyber-communications exasperates me. I am the king of no-patience and the master of the short fuse. With regard to making up some kinda retrospective list, my heart isn't in it. Have a trawl through the archives if you have the time and that might turn up some nugget that got away. The spectre of having to return to the daily grind is clouding my vision somewhat too, tis' a bummer but we gotta eat. I think that 2004 will be a bumpy ride but let's not lose sight of the big picture here. It's important not to piss up anybody's back and tell them that it's raining. Let's root for what's good and leave the sub-karaoke and worse that passes as mass entertainment in the dust with the scum who are perpetrating this "electronic chatter" that sanctions our space to be invaded in the name of safety. These people are willing to 86 themselves for their beliefs and I think they're taking the mick but our authorities can't take any chances. It's Mindset Wars and our side ain't programmed like the bogeymen and wummin are. Me? At this point, It's like Iggy once said "I don't believe in anything and I don't stand for nothing". Nothing 'cept to keep on keepin' on anyway I can and it's all forward from here. At least today. This morning, Brian Matthews played "From The Underworld" by The Herd and for the length of that at least, all was right with the world.

Scandinavian Tour Advisor and General WARNING



To fans, friends, loud-mouths, lay-a-bouts and anyone looking for a good time
in the Great frozen north:

It is with considerable surprise (even to me!) that the world’s one and only,
original SUPER-ROCK band is issuing this Scandinavian tour advisement and
general warning. After an absence of almost a generation, endless desperate
requests and engendering countless pale imitators, The FLESHTONES are indeed
returning to Scandinavia Feb 6th- 14th, 2004. To play, that is. Why? Certainly not
for money. Perhaps to give those who think they’ve seen it all a chance to
kick their diet of highly adulterated imitators and see how this thing is really
done. Or maybe we’re just looking for that special moment. All I know is that
the tour will indeed kick off at the DEBASER CLUB in STOCKHOLM with our good
friends The Nomads and The Maggots. If anyone remembers what it was like the
last time the Nomads and The FLESHTONES got together in that city, be prepared
for more of the same! Much more in fact, we’ve been practicing. In addition,
appearances at numerous fishing stations and fur-trading outposts will be
announced later. No, seeing all those other bands is NOT like witnessing the REAL,
one and only FLESHTONES, live and in person. Look I’ll tell you something
straight up, I don’t want to return home after a week and a half of freezing my
butt off gnawing on herring to read any e-mails asking why don’t we play
Scandinavia. We’re coming NOW. So, I’ve heard a lot of talk. I don’t know about you,
but The FLESHTONES are ready for ACTION. On stage, and if need be, off. If you
miss us this time, don’t count on catching us the next time we make it up
there. Which might be in another 20 years, or in time for the return of Haley's
Comet, if ever. Spread the word and see you there!

Dead Seriously,
Peter Zaremba

Watched The 100 Worst Records of all Time last night on C4 and it was somewhat wide of the mark. I don't think that The Cheeky Girls have been wreaking the worst pop damage at all and it's time they made a record with the one and only Duglas T. Stewart.

Can't wait for things to get back to some semblance of normal. Having said that normal is somewhat like rational these days, you gotta take it when y'can get it. Anyway, here's a link to something that's certainly gonna be keeping me on the straight and narrow. Go!

Rank your nerdiness.

So here we go. Headlong into another one... hope it works out grand for you and yer gang. Normal service may well resume tomorrow or thereaboots.

A very happy half-century shout out to the great Billy Miller whose contribution to our collective existence is unprecedented. Yes babies, he's the greatest! The real Birthday Honours list starts here... click the Norton link on the side bar there ya dumplin's!

Made it back and not a moment too soon. Those Deacon Blue folks are grand people but I'll have to say "No Thankyer" to their brand of pop. Huge audiences, Amy went down well but I was somewhat traumatised by having to endure a whole set in Glasgow last night. Anyway, it was all for a good cause and once I stop twitching I'll get to trying to compile a wee list of belters that might have got away. Our friends in the USA who have HBO are to be blessed with an all-new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm starting January 4th and The Sopranos on March 7th (info via the same link as Curb). About bloody time too... I'll be having a drip feed of Larry David action today methinks to stabilise me after my seasickness caused by that choppy trip on the ol' ship called dignity, dagnabbit!

Today we head to Aberdeen where Amy Allison will open for Deacon Blue. She was invited to do these shows by Ricky Ross himself so we're hoping that the Blue crew will dig that. It's probably snowing up there and it'll be bloody cold but it'll be an adventure to round out the year. My experience in HMV Edinburgh the other day wasn't as rosy as Steve's was in London but hopefully his version is a sign for 2004 but let's not pin our hopes on it though. I had a "tussle" with the Urban section. Another flaccid hat for that caterwauling corner of hip hop or whatever, hooever... I digress. Will try to gather my thoughts on the train trip, fueled by a visit to The Pastie Shop in Stirling en route. Those things have hallucinogenic qualities I tell ya! So better go get my tour managers hat and round up the troops... more soon.

Bazooka Joe Turns 50. And while we're at it, why not dig these BJ archives and his latest "how to win $50.000" scheme.

"Why pay for shitty quality live bootleg recordings, when you can download them for free?". Too bad about 99.9% of the content tho', but I wholeheartedly support these kinda sentiments anyways.

From X-Ray Specs to Sea Monkeys, Super Marketing is a site dedicated to the most memorable and audacious ads from American comic books.

'Tis utter madness down in the West End of London at the moment. Still, for those with a thirst for vinyl bargains there are rich pickings to be had. While HMV might be too much of a scramble, an easier time can be had in Borders. For instance, in the branch on Charring Cross Road, I scored the Zombies Heaven boxset at half price and the Byrds' Preflyte re-issue on Poptones for not much more than the price of a pint of beer. Chancing my arm, I then walked over to the flagship store on Oxford Street and headed to the music department on the top floor. Sadly there was nothing more enticing than the usual "2 for 20 quid" deals but it was damn cool to hear "What Gives" by Radio Birdman bash the lug 'oles as I stepped off of the escalator. Good to see that no fellow shoppers headed for the exits as "Man With Golden Helmet" and "Do The Pop" proceeded to assault the senses. Is this a sign for 2004?

While preparing for yet another night of serious food consumption on Thursday, we joined some friends on a visit to the Centraal Museum, located only a few blocks from HQ, and again we were amazed at all this beauty on display so close to home and wondered why we don't check on it more often. The place holds the largest collection of Rietveld designs in the world, probably the only collection of work by Dick Bruna (the creator of Miffy !) and a wealth of other stuff. Heck, what I'm trying to say is; next time you head over here to Utrecht for the record fair, take some time out and dig some local culture, you'll be surprised.

If anybody out there has or had any doubts about how damn great The Star Spangles are should check out the video for "I Don't Wanna Be Crazy Anymore". The clip has just been made available for viewing on their site and it's a concise, action-packed snapshot of the band in full flight. There's a bit toward the end where Tommy, Ian and Nick turn in toward the stage that just flows like so many combos never do. Drumster Joey could well be the finest power punkin' drummer since Clem Burke. Just take a look and if it don't make you think "Wow, these guys are great" then you've got a problem. One you need to sort out in the New Year...

Mike Spenser of the Cannibals wants to claim the airwaves on behalf of the garage rock community in Europe. Full details from Mike below:

As some of might or might not know, but should know because The Trash Can has been going for a few years now, I have been presenting this show on various radio, internet, and what not stations all over the world. From WCR to Total Rock and now at the legendary and world famous Radio Caroline, the original Radio Caroline pirate station broadcasting from a boat several miles offshore in international waters, started in 1964. While there only 1 month, I've come up with a plan that only yesterday was told that if I can get as much support in the form of emails during the show and callins, as each show is taped and the show will be sent to the "powers that be". So put your voice on record, and send in emails to the studio. All will be saved to pass on and this iswhat might be able to convince them at Radio Caroline to go ahead with the following plan....

It's been discussed to upgrade the present show, which seems to be stuck in the very safe mud it originally was set to bypass way back then. Something urgently was needed and my Trash Can was like a breath of fresh air to some, while a pain in the ass to others, who keep asking me to play Cliff Richard and the such. Hence the need to start another Radio Caroline, possibly called Pirate Caroline. The Ross Revenge,which you can see pictures of once you log on to the Radio Caroline web site, is a massive 100 ton frieghter that was used when the station was truely pirate and out in the safe waters. It is the biggest and most beautiful of all the pirate ships around. It is Radio Carolines own and could be yours- ours, if we get enough support!

My idea is to bring the ship to London, towed slowly for effect, and also because one of its engines is down, moor it permanently along the Thames near public transport, use the radio room which is still intact and can transmit over the whole of the SE of England on AM as well as on the net and SKY at the moment. I have enough equipment to kit out a proper 24 track analogue studio on board to record live sessions with some of your favourite bands, release some of these sessions on the new label assoiated with the whole plan, "Pirate Records", and turn the massive decks below into a truley fab venue. I've been told that it can hold several hundred people and even these gigs could be recorded and sent out live on air.

This is the chance to finally bring what I believe, and I hope all of you do as well, the bestest, most coolest scene that we've all been part of for so long. We've been waiting for something as big as this to finally catapult it into a massive movement so that more and more people get to know some of the finest bands and musicians who might otherwise keep struggling in the many clubs now dedicated to this music. The scene is real. You are all part of it and you all know the kinds of groups we are talking about....The Parkinsons, The Maggotts, The Dirty, The Mighty Stars, the many Swedish and Scandinavian groups-too many to mention, The Buff Medways, Billy Childish, Thee Excitors, the Unchayned, the Solar Flares, 53rd and 3rd, Hot Wires, Beatings, The Cannibals and so many more groups you've come to see and love hearing. The Trash Can plays all this stuff, demos that might never get heard elsewere, Stooges, Dolls, Cramps, Pebbles and Nuggets stuff, obscure garage and classic garage, the Sonics, 13th Floor Elevators, Chocolate Watchband, Electric Prunes..and on and on....

This could be a turning point from turning something big and growing into one of the biggest movements since the original punk days..really..it could happen but I must show the support for Radio Caroline letting me carry on with this ambitious venture. The format of the station will also include other really cool and exciting programs from other stations and great music throughout the day and night from Rock, to Metal, to Reggea to chat shows of really cool topics (underground Graffiti, and stuff not usually heard in public for obvious reasons)..all kinds of stuff you'd love to just turn on your radio 24/7 and just groove to...

It can all happen very quickly as the 40th Anniversary for Radio Caroline is only a few months away and things must be in place by then. Also, a few hours later, Sunday, December 28th, the boat will be open to the public so you can come and see it as well! Me and Paul will be there if we survive the show a few hours before. The number to call for that is 07890270049 and Vaughn is the man who will take names. By the way, the boat is easy to get to as it is almost directly under the old bridge in Rochester, Kent off the Strood Pier. People should be there before 11am.

The Trash Can, on Radio Caroline is easy to listen to but log on early because you might have to load a different streamer to listen to on the net. The one the station uses is Live365 and to register might take a few minutes. The instructions on how to get onto SKY are on the web site and the telephone number to callin we will repeat often (I know its 016824400 but I'm only 90% sure!!). Email the studio is right there as well...

Don't forget...it's Midnight Sat 27th December till Sunday morning 3am UK time. Please stay up and tune in....it's really important this time! I've worked fucking hard to get this music this far..as well as Paul from The Dirty Water Club and loads of you...

"Dreams can come true..for cool people like me and you..
just think of what you'd love to do...put one foot in front of another....
and just follow it through!"

Cheers,

Mike Spenser

www.radiocaroline.co.uk
piratetrashcan@hotmail.com

Been pretty busy of late what with the rebuilding The Garage links resource and the more mundane, but necessary, web duties required at work. Fortunately, there’s always time for listening to music and here’s a few discs that have grabbed my attention over the last couple of months.

The Legendary Too Drunk – Hobson’s Choice

At last the long promised mini-album from Too Drunk that by my conservative reckoning has been a cool sixteen years in the making. Think chunky rambunctious garage pop with Johnny Thunders guitar lines and cheesy organ fills. “Hobson’s Choice” comprises of eight memorable originals that will have you smiling from ear to ear and swinging from the light fittings in no time. In my opinion “Here Come The Good Times” and “The Shape I’m In” are two of the best songs to come out of the UK garage rock scene over the last few years. Rest assured that Too Drunk are a psychedelic garage band guaranteed to whisk you away on a “Magic Carpet Ride” and no mistake.



Uptight – Collars & Cuffs E.P.

The latest three track offering from this Yorkshire-based Mod band with strong garage rock leanings. Uptight has been recording infectious garage-pop-soul for the best part of three years and still remain without a record label. A bit of minor tragedy in my book. This time round on CD-R they pilfer from the Creation while adding a bit of the Supremes for “If It’s All The Same To You”. The other two tracks, “Technicolour TV Head” and “Collars & Cuffs” ain’t bad either. On disc or on stage, Uptight clearly enjoy what they are about. Somebody sign this band before the next hyped wannabies from Detroit hit town.

The Flakes – Stayin’ Single

A CD-R of their first two 45 rpms with a couple of extra bonus cuts. When the Flakes played the Dirty Water Club recently they visually reminded me of yet another 1960s fixated garage band, forunately they proceeded to deliver a set in an altogether more ‘70s punk manner. Perhaps it had something to do with the presence of ex-Mummie, Russell Quan, on drums, or even the fact that they were selling DMZ t-shirts on the merchandise stand. Blimey O’Conolly, if you dig the magic that DMZ applied to various nuggets then you will enjoy the Flakes big time. Step this way for loud, sloppy, and fun renditions of “Bip Bap Boom”, “Good Good Luvin’” and “Long Gone”. The disc is available at shows or from the band’s website.

I'm just takin' a look at J's list there and thinking, but there's another 5 days to go in 2003. Maybe I'll discover a whole new slew of records before I get around to compiling such a thing... It could happen... Today, travelling minstrel Jon Graboff and his girl are dropping by. Jon was here to play with Laura Cantrell at the John Peel Xmas Party which went out live on December 23rd. You can listen to that by clicking here! and following the directions to the requisite "play it again" area. It'll only be available until the 30th I guess so get weaving. It's a pot pourri of sound, some of which will thrill and some of which might have tou teetering on the brink so don't say I didn't warn you. I hadn't heard Can's version of Silent Night though and that was fun. Taking a look outside, it's pissing rain so some of the activities I planned will have to be rethunk. Or maybe not. Nobody is gonna make me go to the shops though. That's fer damn sure. Cadbury's Cream Eggs are on sale way early this year. Used to be Boxing Day was the first sign but not in the run-up to 04. Anybody know if Nostradamus predicted that?

As promised here's my year's end list (for whatever it's worth). I've skipped tryin' to say something about each disc 'cause everytime I started writing it became this endles rant against everything and everybody, so here's the bare bones, tho' I still figure they provide plenty to chew on.


1. Dirtbombs - Dangerous Magical Noise. (In The Red)
2. Leg Hounds - The Leg Hounds Date Your Daughters (Screaming Apple)
3. Fleshtones - Do You Swing? (Yep Rock)
4. Holly Go-Lightly - Truly She Is None Other (Damaged Goods)
5. Kidnappers - Ransom Notes & Telephone Calls (Alien Snatch)
6. Master Plan - Colossus Of Destiny (Demolition Derby)
7. Star Spangles - Bazooka (Capitol)
8. Little Killers - Little Killers (Crypt)
9. Turbonegro - Scandinavian Leather (Burning Heart)
10.White Stripes - Elephant (XL)

Re-issues:

1. v/a - Miami Sound (Soul Jazz)
2. v/a - Funk Soul Sisters (BGP)
3. v/a - 600% Dynamite (Soul Jazz)
4. v/a - A Soldier's Sad story (Kent)
5. Jackie Mittoo - Last Train To Skaville (Soul Jazz)
6. v/a - Looking Good (BGP)
7. Joe Gibbs - Roots, Culture, DJs and the Birth of Dancehall (Soul Jazz)
8. v/a - The Complete Meteor Rockabilly & Hillbilly Recordings (Ace)
9. v/a - The Dial Records Southern Soul Story (Kent)
10.v/a - Nice Up The Dance (Soul Jazz)

Long lists of records, label numbers, dates, obscure info, I live for such things. So it's always a delight to find websites filled to the max with just that. Soulful Kinda Music is related to a mag I know nothing about, but has put up some 350, very detailed, artist discographies. The main focus bein' soul, but there's also plenty o' girl-groups, 50s R&B and, uh, The Rumblers. Heck, I could use more sites like this, anybody's got a lead on a equally impressive blues site?.

Great vintage cartoon memories of Milton the Monster and Fearless Fly can come flooding back. Check 'em out here! Far more satisfying than a turkey dinner.

Well. It's Christmas Day and not a creature is stirring 'cept for me. Today will be spent pretty much under wraps with the odd blast of Girl Trouble's "Sigue Sigue Christmas" to put the tin lid on our party spirit. If you haven't had the pleasure of this fine seasonal tune then believe me, you need to. So yeah, hope you get through it and that y'all get what you deserve.

OK kids, here's a festive plea for information. Can anybody out there help this guy...

Hi, I wonder if you can help me. I'm Dave, Steve Lewins' brother. Steve was with the Count Bishops in 76-77ish and I saw your mention of them in July on your site but i've lost touch with him totally. In fact if the truth be known, i haven't seen him since 97 when we had a bit of a falling out like brothers do. But loads of water's passed under the bridge since and i'd love to find him again. I gather he's living in or around Amsterdam and playing guitar on the streets. Is there anyone/way you know (contacts/news or whatever) that i could talk to whlo might know any news of him? I called mike spenser from the bishops and he now djs for radio caroline and he's kindly going to try to put the feelers out on air for me.Then i saw your site after some trawling and thought i'd ask you too. I'd be really grateful if you could shed any light.

all the best, dave lewins, manchester uk

If anybody has any info then send it here and we'll pass it on.

While takin' a short break from puttin' the final touches on the reshapin' of HQ, I figured it 'd be a good time to give you some kinda update on what's up around here and hip you to some recent news. OK, discs first: Norton's latest releases have been a mainstay on the ol' hi-fi lately. The Roky Erickson set 'Don't Knock The Rock' is great collection of rehearsal recordings (from '78 with the definitive Aliens line-up), that sees our man messin' about w/ a bunch o' 50s covers to great effect, plus a number o' Roky originals that are new to me like the great 'Things That Go Bump In The Night'. Excellent liner-notes by long time Roky fan and former Angry Samoan Gregg Turner are the icin' on the proverbial whatsis. Also be on the look-out for the Norton distributed 'A Starlight Date With Richard Marsh', a solid set that rounds up Sky Saxon's earliest (pre-Seeds) sides from the time was modelin' himself as a teen idol. The voice is already easily recognizable, and tho' some of you hard-liners might think some of the ballads are "too soft", there's no mistakin' the upliftin' power of tune like 'Do The Swim'. Still on heavy rotation are Norton's re-issues of the first four Gene Vincent LPs and according to their latest mailorder catalogue there's two more on the way. Speakin' of which; Other discs promised for the new year by our fave Brooklyn label are; Real Kids's early demos 10", three part 'Forth Worth Teen Scene' series (remember those two Big Beat releases from way back when?), Nervous Norvus demos LP (!), Arch Hall JR full-length, Johnny Burnette demos, Dictators live set (!!!), Ron Haydock's up-till-now-CD-only '99 Chicks' will finally make it to vinyl using the label's new "Reverse Technology", a Cha Cha label comp (home of Haydock ao), 2nd vols of both 'Wolf Call' and 'Aliens, Psychos And Wild Things', and finally a Triumphs (of 'Surfside Date' fame) EP. Dunno if all you web crawlers still do some authentic old school reading (books that is), but if so may I recommend Brett Milano's 'Vinyl Junkies' (St Martin's Press), a hilarious look at the more extreme forms of the disease know as "record collecting". Most of the better known wax-hounds get their say, includin' Thurston Moore, Miriam Linna, Robert Crumb, the Peters Buck, Wolf and Holsapple and everybody's favorite lunatic/madman Jeff "Monoman" Conolly. Anybody who has ever looked in bewilderment at those tiny CD racks they're sellin' all over the place (you know, the ones that hold about 10 or 20 discs), and figured you'd need at least several hundred of those to store your collection, will recognize something in here. Earlier today I picked up John Collis' new Ike Turner bio 'King Of Rhythm' (Do Not Press), When I handed the book to the girl behind the counter she said "are you aware this man is a wife beater?", "of course" I replied, "I'm looking forward to read the full details in here", after which the rest of the transaction was made in complete silence. Hardly made any inroads into the main text yet, but scannin' the massive discography I was amazed on how many great discs Ike was involved. Christ, he's even there on Otis Rush's Cobra recording of 'Double Trouble', one of my all-time fave blues tunes, and I had never noticed before !. Back to vinyl: To promote the recent Nomads tribute disc, the Wild Kingdom label has released a very limited split 45 of the Nomads and Hellacopters both tacklin' the former's 'Pack Of Lies', grab while it's out there, 'cause it's limited as heck. And with the festive season upon us why not skip the latest offerin' from the Darkness and head for the 5.6.7.8's 'Rock and Roll Santa' 45 on Norton or the Buff Medway's 'Merry Christmas Fritz' on Damaged Goods. OK, that's it for now, I'll be sure to post my "best of 2003" list in the next couple o' days as requested by a number of you (and hopefully Lindsay 'n Steve 'll do likewise). A merry Christmas to you all, and take it easy on the turkey....

The hot ticket this Noo Year in NY? Look nae further...

You folks like records, right? Here's a Glasgow-based emporium that you might like to have a trawl through...Black Vinyl Records! Better than having to go among the Christmas Shoppers...

Just got the word from my old mucker, Jim (The Hound) Marshall and a bunch of his old WFMU shows are available online for your listening pleasure with full song listings and the works. Prepare to get way lost, turn the TV off, or at least down and dig in!

Wha' Happened?! It seems like European audiences are gonna get a crack at seeing A Mighty Wind in movie theatres after all. Those of you with multi-regional dvd capability might like to order the dvd from the US because there's a ton of extra stuff on it and as entertainment goes it's pretty bloody hard to beat. Why does it take so long for good stuff to be released? Because cinemas are choked with guff for the scumhordes of course.

If you're in London on January 9th then there's only one game in town...

Amy Allison just sent me this sad news about the death of Gary Stewart. His music lives on though so take a Whiskey Trip with some of that just as soon as you can.

Country singer Stewart, known for "Actin' Single" hit, dies (from The Associated Press)

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- Country music singer Gary Stewart, who gained some popularity in the 1970swith his true-to-form honky tonk style, died in Fort Pierce. He was 58. Stewart died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. His wife of 43 years died last month and he was last seen by relatives on Sunday. His body was found in his home Tuesday. Police do not expect foul play. A native of Letcher County, Kentucky, Stewart has been called a compelling songwriter and was a performer of guitar-driven Texas honky tonk. His last album was released this year, entitled "Live at Billy Bob's Texas." Some of his honky tonk hits include: "Drinkin' Thing," "Out of Hand" and "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)," which hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 1975. Stewart described himself in one song title as a "flat natural-born good-timin' man."

And kids, we suspected it but here's the proof... DIY punkin' isnae deid....



A public service announcement from Allen Henry -
"Fan of Steve Treatment (77-78 DIY punk, recorded first single with the Swell Maps)? If so, he's got a fantastic free xmas single available as an mp3 on our website

It's kind of glam rock / over the top! (better than The Darkness' xmas effort) there's also a spectorish/bolanesque xmas message by mr treatment. have a look and download it.... Our site's based in ayrshire and has a load of old nyah fearties info and our band the NoMen doing versions of old DIY punk stuff... have a guid new year."

Coupla things here to divert your mindset down the less-crowded alleyways of the silly season...

"Aussie rock 'n' rule kings You Am I are due to play a one-off gig at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on January 25th, where they'll be supported by fellow Transcopic Records artiste Billy 'overrated' Childish, plus former Blur twonk Graham Coxon, who actually owns the label. If any NBT readers have never seen YMI before, then get ready for a sweetly sussed riff machine that reflects a great lurve for The Replacements, Kinks, Big Star, Bobby Bland, Mummies, Faces and a whole host of faves ... Having enjoyed FOUR (count 'em) No. 1 albums downunder, and taken The Dirtbombs on tour (no less), mebbe it's finally time the rest o'the world woke up to the fact that it's preedy much been missing out on one of the finest combos of the past decade. Check HERE!. This pic of Tim and ver lads shows 'em hangin' wiv yer actual 'Stones when they supported 'em last year (mmm, Sir Mick looks a dick, don't he?). Luv & 45s, Joss (Sonic Reducer)."

OK, we'll enter the 21st century here for a while with this great flash game: Pico's School!. (link c/o Tony Slug).

Supersnazzy christmas gifts. GO!.

Some cool A.C.C. tunes from the vaults have been re-issued by Gulcher. GO!.

Had a few enquiries lately as to getting copies of the magazine and as I've replied there ain't none to be got from here. I did look at Midnight Records site though and they were advertising Issues #18, #26 and #27. So if you need those then give 'em a click and schlepp to the books and magazines section.

What about that Saddam then? Looking like a dead ringer for Roky Erickson, he's been nabbed hiding in a hole. If only he'd got that Christmas single out in time for all this TV coverage...

Now, this is what you call a festive ding dong!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - DATELINE: BROOKLYN NY

NORTON RECORDS PRESENTS… A GIANT HOLIDAY SHOW AND DANCE!

Saturday Dec 27 9 PM
Southpaw, 125 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope Brooklyn New York (718) 230 0236 Club info at http://www.spsounds.com Tickets $20 online at http://www.ticketweb.com or at Wowsville Records, 125 2nd Avenue, NY NY

Brooklyn-based Norton Records celebrates our founder Billy Miller’s 50th birthday with the ultimate all-Norton Rhythm & Blues/Soul Spectacular hosted by RUDY RAY MOORE and featuring Norton artists Andre Williams, King Coleman,
Nathaniel Mayer, Gino Washington, The Mighty Hannibal, Lonnie Youngblood, The Great Gaylord and the Soul Shakers! Doors open at 8 and the non-stop show starts at 9 PM sharp! Don't be late, you won't want to miss a moment!

Join us on this very special night with our top soul artists! After the stage show, top NYC DJ Mr Fine Wine will spin the wildest and most favorite singles with local record spinners and wax hounds through til 4 AM so please, comfortable shoes and a change of underwear, as always, are recommended! Mingle with the stars and let's get them to teach us how to Fishin Pole, Greasy Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, the Frog and mo'!Tickets are available at Wowsville records, 125 2nd Avenue in NYC and at www.ticketweb.com. See you all there!

The Southpaw is a beautiful new club with great sound, dance floor, clean restrooms, massive bar and dark corners with cushy seating for any attendees avoiding other attendees! (Southpaw, 125 5th Ave. at Sterling Place, Brooklyn NY) telephone (718) 230-0236. www.spsounds.com Get tickets now!

CHECK THE NORTON WEBSITE FOR THE BEST REASON TO END THE YEAR IN THE WINTERLAND HINTERLAND-- BROOKLYN, USA!!

ANDRE WILLIAMS Andre Williams’ career took off with Bacon Fat, Goin’ Down To Tijuana, The Greasy Chicken and the lascivious Jail Bait . Mr. Williams enjoyed success as a member of the Five Dollars as well as a solo artist on Detroit’s reknown Fortune Records label. Known as “Mr. Rhythm”, he was also instrumental early on at Motown, working with the acts including the Contours and Mary Wells. He also worked as an independent producer, scoring with the Five Du-Tones’ Shake A Tail Feather in 1963. Mr. Williams found further success as an artist in 1968 with Cadillac Jack. In recent years, he has released over a dozen albums and toured the world several times. In 1999 alone, he performed over 200 live shows, and toured Europe on four separate occasions that year. This year, Mr. Williams headlined in Las Vegas and has just returned from a southern states junket. His latest Norton album HOLLAND SHUFFLE, was recorded live in the Netherlands and features a superbly executed cross section of career hits and new recordings. Mr. Williams currently resides in Chicago, where he continues to write and record.

KING COLEMAN This Miami disc jockey scored his first hit in 1959 with (Do The) Mashed Potatoes backed by James Brown and his group. He spent much of the sixties on the road as a singer/master of ceremonies, and hosted countless shows at New York’s Apollo Theatre. He recorded dance classics like Alley Rat, Bull Dog and Show Me What You Got for a host of labels. The King would reunite with James Brown for the classic Boo Boo Song in 1967, before entering the ministry. Today King Coleman is Miami’s number one gospel disc jockey and is enthusiastic about his new Norton collection IT’S DANCE TIME, which collects the best from this true legend.

NATHANIEL MAYER Detroit artist Nathaniel Mayer needs no introduction. His 1962 hit Village Of Love on Fortune Records remains a superlative standard in the hearts of soul and R&B fans worldwide. After a long period out of the limelight, Mr. Mayer has returned to the stage, stunning audiences with fiery renditions of his Fortune label killers such as I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction) and I Had A Dream. He brings is atomic stage show to New York on the heels of public acclaim for his latest Norton single I Don’t Want No Bald Headed Woman Telling Me What To Do. Mr. Mayer resides in Detroit, where he can be reached for interviews and bookings.

GINO WASHINGTON This dynamic Detroit soul legend had scored two monstrous Motor City hits in Out Of This World and Gino Is A Coward by the time he was eighteen. As a teenager, he even headlined over the Rolling Stones on their first Detroit appearance! Gino recorded dozens of singles, all collected on two Norton collections entitled OUT OF THIS WORLD and LOVE BANDIT. Aside from his own vocal recordings, Mr. Washington branched out into production, piloting countless Motor City singles, notably Nathaniel Mayer’s I Don’t Want No Bald Headed Woman Telling Me What To Do. Both Gino Washington and Nathaniel Mayer will be backed by The Shanks, led by former Detroit Cobra Jeff Meier. Both artists performed together before a worldwide audience this spring during the New Orleans jazz festival a the Ponderosa Stomp. Mr.Washington also resides in Detroit where he is currently working on a televised music program.

THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL This Atlanta, Georgia soul giant is a self proclaimed “former pimp, heroin addict and elephant thief” but promises that those days are all behind him! His distinctive delivery, superb vocal abilities and poignant songwriting style are shown in a wide array of styles from the hip dance floor favorites Jerkin’ The Dog and Get In The Groove to the “message music” of his powerful 1967 anti-Vietnam hit Hymn No 5 and the 1972 drug confessional The Truth Shall Make You Free ,which have established him firmly as a musical contender.
The Norton collection HANNIBALISM! has reunited the singer with an eager audience. He resides in New York City and continues to write, perform, and conduct business from his offices in Harlem.

LONNIE YOUNGBLOOD The heralded tenor sax player known as the Prince of Harlem began his career as bandleader for the great Faye Adams. In the sixties, Mr. Youngblood’s New York club band included Jimi Hendrix. Together they recorded the stompin’ Go Go Shoes on Fairmount, still a strong soul DJ favorite today. Mr Youngblood’s band, featuring guitarist Bill Sims (formerly of the legendary Four Mints), will be providing backing for several stars on the holiday show. Mr. Youngblood is a featured guest artist on the Norton album BAIT AND SWITCH by Andre Williams. He is a revered fixture on the New York music scene and enjoys a worldwide reputation.

THE SOUL SHAKERS New York’s frenzied vocal group sensations deliver high geared Five Du-Tones style dance floor killers. The very in-demand Soul Shakers depart for bookings in the Islands immediately following the Holiday Show and promise to continue wowing audiences in New York and abroad in the near future.

THE GREAT GAYLORD The Sultan Of Squat, idolized worldwide in many circles, returns to the concert stage after many years as a top disc jockey thanks to the phenomenal resurgence in popularity of his lone hit on the Norton label Squat With Me Baby, which has been lauded as one of his finest recordings. Double G, as he is affectionately known by his fan base, hails from the tri-State area where he is kept busy answering mail and making personal appearances at many top affairs.

RUDY RAY MOORE Very special guest MC for the evening will be none other than Rudy Ray Moore, King of the Party Records and star of such feature films as Dolemite, Petey Wheatstraw and Human Tornado. This creative man claims, “I was through with it before the others knew what to do with it!” Indeed, his many ventures in the field of media have all enjoyed universal success, including his recent return to the stage as a vocalist, due to the release of HULLY GULLY FEVER on Norton Records, a massive collection of his early recordings as a rhythm & blues artist. Today, Mr. Moore calls Las Vegas home base. He is kept very active with personal appearances, interviews and consultations. He recently performed at the esteemed Utrecht Blues Festival in the Holland where he was
lauded for his many contributions to the field of entertainment.

MR. FINE WINE Michigan import Mr. Fine Wine is one of the New York area’s top radio disc jockeys at WFMU, where he hosts the Downtown Soulville show dedicated exclusively to soul music. He also spins soul records in person and is in demand and available at clubs and venues both locally and elsewhere.

http://www.nortonrecords.com For more information contact our Press Office

nortonrec@aol.com tel (718) 789 4438

Amy Allison recorded a set as part of radio Scotlands 25th anniversary at The Rothes Halls last Sunday and it was broadcast on the Brand New Opry last night. You can listen to it (if you have the technology) by clicking here and then on the listen again icon. The one and only David Scott and his Pearlfishers are on the Janice Forsyth Show today (Saturday) and you can tune into that by whapping that wee button down here and likewise on listen again.

Aye, we're sliding down into the silly season alright. I dunno about you but I like to keep to my 'ain midden heid' in such circumstances. The older I get (and that's getting on a bit) the less I can tholl the scumhordes. That's those that'll buy any old shite under the premise of gift giving. Those that are choking up the stores and just generally polluting the earth with their mobile phone wielding, no taste, gibbering general existence. I like Christmas records but I detest practically every other facet of the big business charabang that goes along with it. I like It's A Wonderful Life even although I've seen it a gazillion times and Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas too. This leads me to wonder whatever happened to The Man In The Santa Claus Suit that starred Fred Astaire? It hasn't been seen for yonks. But anyhoo I digress, with every passing year, the spirit of Christmas is consigned further into a feeding frenzy of false bonhomie and bogus revelling. Do you fancy hanging about in Edinburgh at Hogmanay in the cold, surrounded by drunks watching Erasure and The Coral? Thought not. It's slightly better in Glasgow where they've got The Proclaimers but no real incentive to attend either. Listen to me, if Amy Allison makes it on to the bill at Stirling Castle then we'll have to drag our bahookies up there but we'll see. Anyway, do what you feel ya gotta do and try not to buy into the downside why dontcha.

Reigning Sound Split
"December kicks off with the thoroughly sad news that the Reigning Sound have called it a day, with only a few lucky Scandinavians having had the chance to see them grace the stage. Here's what Greg Cartwright had to say: "The Reigning Sound will end Dec. 31st for all practical purposes. A little over 3 months ago we lost our keyboard player which forced us to scrap the new record we had just recorded with him and record a more guitar driven record. This worked in our favor as I think the new record could be our best yet. On top of this, My wife, my kids and myself are moving to North Carolina next Feb. Trying to keep a band together long-distance is hard. I know I've tried it several times. Me and the guys still get along and perhaps we may do a show here and there in the following year." (news c/o Sonic Dirt).

Rockstars as kids (yep, that's our pal Joey), shows that there might still be hope for all you geeky kids. GO!.